Navigating the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and togetherness. However, when a loved one is in a nursing facility the holidays can be a bittersweet experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate this special time:

1. Open Communication with us

• Schedule Visits: We know visits with family and friends are not only treasured times, they are also beneficial to your loved ones overall health. You are encouraged to drop in and visit. Our residents are often involved with our activities, so a heads up can be helpful for our staff.
• Holiday Plans: Planning to bring a favorite dish or join for a meal? Let us know if there are any special requests or dietary needs so we can help make your family holiday extra special.
• Involve Your Loved One: Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help you get your loved one involved in your family holiday. Gift-giving to decorating, we love to see our residents getting into the festive spirit. While there are some restrictions due to state regulations concerning nursing facilities, we encourage you to help your loved one decorate their space for the holidays.

2. Create Meaningful Traditions

• Virtual Visits: Video calls are a great way to bridge the distance if travel is difficult. We’d be happy to help you set up a virtual visit with your loved one!
• Personalized Gifts: Sending personalized gifts that evoke memories and emotions, like family photos or handwritten letters, is a great way to help your loved one stay connected.
• Shared Experiences: Watch holiday movies or listen to music together during virtual visits.

3. Self-Care for Caregivers

We see it on the Home Health side of our business, caregivers can easily get overwhelmed, and the holiday season adds another level of stress. Be careful you’re not taking on too much!

• Prioritize Your Well-being: Remember to take care of yourself during this busy time. Taking time out for yourself is not selfish, but necessary. Making sure you get rest, healthy meals, and taking time for what you enjoy is as important as the care you give your loved one.
• Seek Support: Connect with other caregivers or join support groups to share experiences and advice.
• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, to reduce stress. Even taking a couple of minutes for some deep breathing can be enough to reset, calm, and refocus.

4. Embrace the Present Moment

• Focus on the Positive: Shift your focus to the positive aspects of the holiday season, such as spending quality time with family and friends. It’s easy to get caught up in the nostalgia, and while remembering pasts holidays has a place, be mindful that nostalgia doesn’t send you or your loved one into a depression.
• Create New Memories: Make new memories with your loved one, even if they’re different from past traditions. Sometimes taking a long-held family activity and reworking it to fit the present situation can be even more memorable for everyone involved.
• Express Gratitude: Take time to express gratitude for the time you have with your loved one. It sounds simple, or unnecessary even, but letting your loved ones know you appreciate the time you spend with them, that it is precious to you, means the world to them.

By following these tips, you can navigate the holiday season with grace and compassion. Remember, the most important thing is to cherish the time you have with your loved one and create lasting memories.